Like any other machine, an air conditioner unit also needs regular upkeep and occasional repairs. Regular maintenance and necessary repairs can keep your AC efficient and in good condition. But sometimes, replacing the AC unit is the better, more sensible and practical option. But how do you know when to repair or replace the unit? If you’re also in doubt about this, today’s blog is for you. In this article, I’ll discuss briefly when to replace the AC or do AC repair in Austin.
How to Decide When to Replace the AC or Do AC Repair in Austin, TX
Air Conditioner’s Age
Before deciding whether to replace the AC or repair, you’ll have to consider the age of the cooling unit. It might be a good idea to think about upgrading your air conditioning if it’s been in use for more than a decade.
Usually, an air conditioner’s life expectancy is about 12-15 years. After that, no matter how well you maintain the unit, it won’t affect the AC’s performance much. In fact, AC’s overall performance will start to decline as time goes by.
Again, if you want modern features, newer air conditioners are incomparable. For example, with a newer air conditioner, you can control the temperature and setting from your smartphone. You can change the AC settings even when you’re not at home. Apart from these, newer ACs have a sleep mode that gradually adjusts the room temperature and makes your sleep more comfortable.
So the bottom line is that if you have an older AC that is at the end of its lifespan, you shouldn’t consider repairing it. Instead, it is advised that you replace the older AC with a new one.
Air Conditioner’s Efficiency
Older ACs are less energy-efficient. If 10 years ago, the SEER rating of the AC was 10, now, it can be below 5. It means that your cooling unit consumes more electricity than required and increases the overall energy cost. On the other hand, newer ACs are more energy-efficient and have higher SEER ratings. Usually, newer air conditioners have a minimum SEER2 rating of 14.3 and above. It means that purchasing newer and more energy-efficient AC can reduce your monthly cooling bill and help you enjoy maximum comfort.
Also, according to the new regulation set by the US Department of Energy, all residential HVAC units must have a SEER rating of 13.4 or more. Because of this new regulation, if you keep using the old AC, you’ll be violating this rule and may end up paying hefty fines. Even if you consider it from an economic perspective, using an older cooling unit doesn’t make any sense. This is why you must replace the unit if your air conditioner is old and has lower energy efficiency. But if you have purchased the AC recently and have higher energy efficiency, you can consider repairing the AC.
AC Repair Cost & Frequency
If the AC requires small repairs, such as cleaning the air duct or replacing the AC filter, you are good to go with the repair. However, if it requires heavy repairs, such as repairing the AC compressor or evaporator coil, you’ll have to hold back for a few minutes before deciding to repair the cooling unit. Because when you need such heavy repairs, it indicates that there can be other underlying issues in the unit. Besides, these heavy AC repairs cost a lot, and sometimes this cost can be half of the price of a new HVAC unit. In this scenario, it is advised to replace the cooling unit, especially when you have an older air conditioning system. Consulting a professional technician from CW Service Pros can provide expert guidance in assessing the situation and determining the best course of action.
Apart from this, you’ll have to factor in the AC repair shop multiple times a year for AC repair, which is a huge red flag. Because when a cooling unit requires frequent repairs, it indicates that the unit has reached its limit and cannot perform efficiently. Here, you’ll have to replace the entire cooling unit.
In Austin, AC repair cost is very affordable. Besides, all the HVAC technician in Austin are reliable and knows how to handle all sorts of HVAC unit. So, by hiring these AC repair technicians, you can get the best AC repair.
Type of the Air Conditioner Refrigerant
Since January 2020, the use of R22 in the AC has been banned in the US. One of the main reasons behind this ban is that it harms the ozone layer and the environment. It’s highly likely that your air conditioning unit is using the R22 refrigerant if it has been in use for a decade or more.
As the R22 is illegal to use in the AC, if you need a refrigerant refill, you won’t find it everywhere. Even if you find it in the black market, you’ll have to pay several times more than the usual price.
Instead of the R22 refrigerant, R410A has been mandated. It is easily available and cheap compared to the R22.
So, if your AC uses R22 as a refrigerant and you need AC repair, it is recommended that you replace the air conditioner.
Conclusion
To keep your air conditioner’s health in check, you must do an annual HVAC maintenance checkup. During an AC maintenance checkup, an HVAC technician will check the unit thoroughly, and if he finds any fault in the unit, he will repair it. This way, your AC’s health will be in optimum condition, and you won’t have to call for AC repair frequently.
